Ghana’s most celebrated table tennis player, Derek Abrefa, has made a heartfelt contribution to the growth of the sport, presenting a set of table tennis equipment to the national women’s team while the side was in London for the World Team Championships.
Abrefa, who holds the title of Grandmaster in Ghana table tennis, has spent many years as the face of the sport competing in numerous international events and earning multiple Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) Awards along the way.
His decision to donate the equipment reflects a side of him that goes beyond the competitive arena.
Table tennis opened doors and opportunities for me that I never imagined. I was once that kid too passionate, but lacking resources.
Speaking at the time of the presentation, Abrefa drew from his own journey to explain what drove him to act.
He recalled the early days of his career when passion alone carried him, and how the sport eventually changed the course of his life. He made clear that having reached a position of success, he felt a responsibility to reach back.
I’ve been privileged to represent my country and seen how sport transforms lives,” he said. “But legacies are not built on medals alone. They are built on who you lift up.”
Abrefa also spoke of his belief that the blessings in his life carry a wider purpose.
I believe God blesses us so it can flow through us to others,” he said. “So this donation is not about me. I am praying this helps, and that one day we see a kid from these clubs on the Olympic stage.”
The equipment was formally received by Eva Ampah, head coach of the Women’s Table Tennis Team, on the sidelines of the World TT Team Championship in London. Ampah and those around the squad expressed gratitude for the gesture, which is expected to give the team added support in their preparations going forward.
Those within the Ghana Table Tennis camp were equally moved by Abrefa’s act. The sentiment among players and officials is that he represents more than sporting achievement, he is a model of character that younger athletes can follow.
He is a role model,” said one source close to the setup. “He continues to prove himself as someone worth emulating by showing that sport is not just about competing, but also about love and unity.”
Abrefa has represented Ghana in a wide range of international competitions and remains active in the sport. He has spoken openly about his confidence in the next generation of Table Tennis players, and this donation appears to be a practical expression of that belief, one that many hope will inspire others in a position to give to do the same.